Reader:

Special request:

This will be our last Morning Minute of 2026 as I will undergo some surgery next Thursday on my eyes. Your prayers for a successful procedure and speedy recovery will be much appreciated.

Our next Morning Minute will be published on January 6, 2026.

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Today's Morning Minute:

Morning Minute – 12.16.25

“2 Stories of Courage, Perseverance, & Loyalty”

How two men overcame tremendous difficulties to lead successful families.

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Joseph #1 was the youngest of many brothers. They resented his abilities and his father’s favoritism.

So, they sold him into slavery to an Egyptian general. Even as a slave, Joseph used his talents to organize and lead the other slaves, improving their productivity. Over time, the general placed Joseph in charge of his entire estate.

Once, while the general was away, his wife attempted to seduce Joseph. When he refused, she falsely accused him of trying to seduce her. In his anger, the general sent Joseph to prison. Yet again, Joseph persevered, organizing the prisoners, and earning the trust of the guards. While in prison, he developed the ability to interpret dreams.

Eventually, the Pharaoh summoned Joseph away from prison to explain a recurring nightmare. After correctly interpreting it, Joseph was promoted to a position of great authority. Years later, when his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, Joseph welcomed them with open arms, reuniting his family.

Joseph #2 was a young man preparing for marriage when he learned his future bride was pregnant…and not by him. After learning who the father was,

Joseph chose to marry her anyway and raise the child as his own. About the time the baby was due, they were forced to travel out of town. While there, she gave birth to the baby, not in a hospital but in an animal barn.

Soon thereafter, Joseph protected his family by fleeing to a foreign land to escape persecution. Years later, they returned home. When the boy was twelve, he was lost during a family outing. Three days later, they finally found him. Joseph then took his family home. Over the next 18 years, Joseph trained the boy in the family business.

Joseph #1 was the son of Jacob, great-grandson of Abraham, father of the Jewish people. Joseph #2 was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both men made difficult decisions, persevering through hardships, while demonstrating the loyalty and responsibility required of men in order to raise strong, successful families.

Final Thought:​
Because of the dedication, perseverance, and loyalty shown by these two men, I chose Joseph as my confirmation name when I was twelve.

“2 Stories of Courage, Perseverance, & Loyalty”

That is today’s Morning Minute.

If a family member, coworker, or someone you know may find this message helpful, interesting, and/or informative, please share it with them.

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Larry A. Bonorato labonorato@gmail.com 864-630-2625

(published by the Bonorato Creative Group, LLC; all rights reserved)